Rebecca Kay Bright, Author

Price Gouging When Nature Strikes When natural disaster strikes you expect neighbors to help neighbors, communities to help communities, and businesses to not screw people over. Here in Texas after Harvey blew in we had multiple reports of hotels, RV parts, gas stations, retail stores, etc price gouging evacuees. Granted we also had lots of hotels, RV parks, retail stores, gas stations, etc slashing prices or not charging at all the number ripping off the good business owners, franchise owners, or managers was staggering. I worked at a hotel at the time that bumped their room prices up $20 the day before Hurricane Harvey made landfall with the full intent to screw evacuees. It made me absolutely sick and I was thrilled I was just waiting for the paperwork for my new and better job with an ethical company to finish up so I could leave this unethical employer. Price gouging people after a natural disaster is not only illegal, and immoral, but also beyond unethical. As consumers,

The Power of Discipline: Shaping Stronger Futures for Our Children In recent years, there's been a troubling trend among parents to prioritize friendship over discipline when it comes to raising their children. But let's face it, being a parent means much more than just being a buddy. It means instilling values, setting boundaries, and teaching accountability from day one. Discipline isn't about punishment; it's about teaching children that actions have consequences. By setting clear expectations and enforcing rules, parents lay the foundation for responsible behavior and respect for authority. Saying "no," administering consequences like extra chores or earlier bedtimes, and implementing timeouts are all vital tools in shaping well-rounded individuals. Unfortunately, when discipline is lacking, the consequences can be dire. Children who grow up without boundaries often struggle to respect authority, follow rules, and empathize with others. This lack of disci

Setting the Record Straight: Starbucks' Commitment to Veterans and Military Spouses In a world where misinformation often clouds our perceptions, it's crucial to set the record straight on matters of importance. Recently, Starbucks found itself at the center of controversy, with some questioning its commitment to veterans and military spouses. Let's clear the air: Starbucks has long been dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. This isn't a new initiative; it's been ingrained in the company's values since day one. From preferential hiring treatment to ongoing support programs, Starbucks has demonstrated its unwavering loyalty to those who have served our country. It's disheartening to see baseless accusations tarnish the reputation of a company that has consistently advocated for inclusivity and equality. Starbucks doesn't play favorites; it believes in helping every group of people, regardless of their background or affiliations. Beyond its

The Modern Entitled Brat Vet I have no doubt I will get angry comments for this one but you should know by now: I DON'T CARE! I have the same Constitutional God given right to free speech as you do. So before you start just go ahead and stop your bitching. I'm from a very patriotic family full of veterans going at least as far back as the 1600s. My grandpa was a WWII vet, my dad and my uncle are Vietnam vets, my other grandpa was a post Korean war service man, the above mentioned uncle was a “lifer” in the service, another uncle was a “lifer” in his branch as well. Add in a bunch of great uncles, various degree of cousins and cousin-in-laws to the list of service members that I'm kin to and you can gather that I grew up immersed in the culture and have a great love and respect for veterans. Honestly I'm finding it hard to have much respect for a lot of the veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars of the past sixteen years. These vets have it better than any o

                                    The Compassionate Outsider “ Fill your mind with compassion” – Buddha     Sometimes being compassionate is the hardest thing that one can do. I was raised in a family that is like most American families…rather negative. I was not raised to be compassionate to others or even animals. I used to long for an older brother. I have no siblings at all, but now in my thirties when I look back at it I am glad I don’t have any siblings. Not that I got what I wanted or all the attention, the opposite really, but that I don’t know how likely a boy would have been able to turn out as opposite of my parents as I did. I was born in a small town in Texas and lived there until I was about seven when we moved to the Austin area. When I was in elementary in Austin my parents had me in religious private schools until fifth grade when I finally went back to public schools. The little private schools I went to were nice enough; I did like how small the class

                          Food Demo Girl Turned Foodie I worked for about two years for the food demo company that services Wal-Mart, Sams’ Club, and many others. I worked mostly at my local Wal-Mart and occasionally in other Wal-Mart’s and a Sam’s Club. I had already stopped eating a lot of processed foods but definitely not all. Most demos I did were food products-or food like food products. I demoed everything from Slim Fast, Clamato, juice, Greek yogurt, ice cream, pizzas, frozen foods, snack food, sodas, and on rare occasions I would have actual food; typically fruit and once chicken cooked with some ‘meal in a box’. After a few months I was very well and bored. I was able to set up, train someone, and still have time to go stir crazy…so I started reading the labels on what we were serving as well as exercising behind my cart. (Yeah I can’t stand not being mentally active) I was not surprised, but non the less very disgusted, by the horrible things that even I, with a